Gastric Sleeve Surgery – Medical Tourism Guide

Gastric Sleeve surgery is a popular bariatric surgery being practiced across the world. Gastric sleeve surgery, tube gastrectomy, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is a one-step permanent tool to help people who want a long-term solution for weight-loss. Sleeve gastrectomy has been shown to benefit many co-morbidities including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. There are also non-scale victories (NSV), such as being able to see your cheekbones and fit into your old jeans.

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works

The surgery is done with minimal intrusion, as it’s done laparoscopically (there are several small incisions instead of one large incision). After the stomach is cut, the new stomach is formed by stapling the rest into a tube or vertical shape. Gastric sleeve surgery works as a restrictive weight loss surgery, by reducing the size of the stomach patients will consume less and ergo lose weight. The surgery cuts and permanently remove as much as 85% of the stomach, thereby reducing the capacity. A lot of the hunger hormones (ghrelin) residing in the upper portion of the stomach (gastric fundus) is also removed. The patient will not feel as hungry and feel full faster, as a result.

Patients can expect an average of 65% Excess Weight Loss (EWL) in 6 months to a year after surgery.

Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The procedure can cost in excess of $20,000 depending on the surgeon, hospital and more. When patients seek outside countries to have gastric sleeve surgery the cost can drop significantly. People can expect to pay about 1/5 to 1/3 of the cost in Mexico, with other countries with similar cost structures.

Risks, Complications and Possible Side Effects

Having any major surgery entails risks, especially a bariatric surgery. There is a risk of death with any major surgery as well as other major issues including bleeding and leaks. Having a poor health standing, a higher BMI, or serious co-morbidities, puts patients with high chances of have risks and complications.

Common Complications

Bleeding (1.2%)

Leaks (2.2%)

Stenosis/Strictures (0.6%)

There are fewer side effects of Gastric Sleeve surgery when compared to Gastric Bypass or Gastric Banding Surgery. Because there is no intestinal re-wiring there is less a risk of malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, dumping syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).